Honestly, if you're asking about the weather in California, you’re asking about ten different worlds at once. Right now, on this Friday, January 16, 2026, the state is doing that weird thing it does where one person is surfing in a light wetsuit while another is digging their car out of a snowbank.
Basically, the "official" temperature for California as a whole is sitting right around 58°F. But let's be real—nobody lives in the "average" of the entire state. You’ve got the coast, the valley, and the mountains, and they aren't exactly on speaking terms today.
What is the temperature in california right now across the major hubs?
If you’re hanging out in Los Angeles, things are feeling pretty sweet. We’re looking at highs of 82°F today. Yeah, you read that right. While the rest of the country is shivering, SoCal is basically having a summer preview. It’s sunny, it’s clear, and that offshore flow is keeping things crisp.
But head north to San Francisco, and it’s a totally different vibe. You’re looking at a much more modest 54°F. It’s that classic NorCal winter chill where you need a solid jacket just to walk to the coffee shop.
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- Los Angeles: 82°F (Sunny)
- San Diego: 78°F (Clear)
- San Francisco: 54°F (Cool/Overcast)
- Sacramento: 56°F (Hazy)
- Lake Tahoe: 34°F (Snow possible)
The contrast is wild. Yesterday, Santa Monica actually hit 84°F, making it the national high for the entire United States. Meanwhile, if you’re up in the Sierras or near the Oregon border, you’re lucky to see the mid-30s.
The Valley Fog and Coastal Realities
One thing people always forget about January in California is the Tule fog. Right now, in the Central Valley, it’s not just about the temp; it’s about visibility. While the coast is clear and sparkling, patches of valley fog are sticking around, making those morning drives on the 99 kinda sketchy.
The wind is also playing a role today. We've got a light breeze coming in from the southwest at about 2 mph in many central areas, but the Santa Ana winds in the south have been gustier earlier this week. They've died down a bit, but that dry air is still lingering, which is why LA feels like a furnace compared to the rest of the coast.
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Why January 2026 feels a bit different
We’re technically in a weak La Niña phase right now. Usually, that means drier and warmer for the southern half of the state, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing. The Climate Prediction Center actually pegged California for a 60% chance of above-normal temperatures this month, and looking at those 80-degree spikes in SoCal, they weren't kidding.
However, don't let the sunshine fool you into thinking the rainy season is over. There’s some chatter among meteorologists about a pattern shift coming around January 21st. We might see some wet weather moving back into Northern California by then, but for today, the state is mostly staying dry with a 0% chance of rain across the major metro areas.
Practical Tips for the Current Temps
If you're out and about today, the "California Uniform" is mandatory. That means layers. Even in LA, where it’s 82°F at noon, it’s going to drop into the 40s or 50s the second the sun goes down. The humidity is sitting at 64%, which is high enough to make the evening air feel a bit damp and chilly once that solar heating vanishes.
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- Sunscreen is still a thing: The UV index is low (around a 2), but if you're out in that 82-degree SoCal sun for hours, you'll still feel it.
- Check the mountain passes: If you're heading toward Tahoe, ignore the beach weather. It's winter up there, and road conditions can change in an hour.
- Hydrate: That dry offshore air in the south will sneak up on you.
Basically, California is a land of extremes today. Enjoy the warmth if you've got it, and keep a hoodie in the car if you don't. The forecast for tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, suggests we might see a bit more cloud cover and a tiny bump in temps for the northern regions, but the heatwave in the south looks like it’s sticking around for the weekend.
Actionable Insights for Today:
Pack a light jacket even if you're in Los Angeles, as the desert-like temperature swing at sunset is real. If you're traveling through the Central Valley, stay alert for sudden fog banks that can drop visibility to near zero. Check local beach reports if you're hitting the coast, as water temps are hovering around a brisk 55°F despite the warm air.